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Extraction - Post Operative Instructions

What to do after a Surgical Extraction

Keep the extraction site packed with surgical gauze for 1 hour after the extraction procedure. Speak with your teeth together while the gauze is in place. Blood stained saliva is normal following the procedure

After the extraction the area will be numb from the local anaesthetic. Be careful not to bite or chew your lip, tongue or cheek.

Avoid hot and cold food or drink immediately following the extraction.

It is VERY IMPORTANT that you DO NOT wash your mouth today. This allows clotting to proceed. Dislodging the blood clot can result in a condition, Dry Socket. This is a very painful condition and will require further post-operative treatment.

Avoid alcohol for 48 hours and avoid hot and cold foods for 24 hours as these can promote further bleeding.

Swelling of the extraction area is to be expected following a surgical extraction, however to minimise swelling apply ice packs to the cheek and jaw, 5 minutes on 5 minutes off. Apply ice packs as soon as possible following the procedure. Swelling can continue for up to 4 days and then gradually subside.

THE DAY FOLLOWING THE EXTRACTION - GENTLY RINSE THE AREA WITH SALTY WATER. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of boiled water and cool to room temperature. Use this solution as a mouth rinse, GENTLY rinsing twice a day for 5 days.

During the healing period, avoid sharp brittle foods such as peanuts, crusty bread, corn chips. These types of food can disturb the healing or lodge in the healing site.

Trismus (limited mouth opening) is also common for up to 2 weeks. Some bruising to the face can be experienced.

It is important to brush your teeth the day after the extraction. Brushing the tongue will help eliminate

The extraction socket will begin to remodel over the next few weeks and can take 3 to 4 months to completely remodel

Paracetamol or Nurofen 200mg as directed will be adequate pain relief in most cases, however Paracetamol or Nurofen containing Codeine may assist if further pain relief is required. Avoid Aspirin for 2 days after the extraction, as aspirin can encourage bleeding

IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERN FOLLOWING SURGICAL EXTRACTION do not hesitate to contact Northshore Dental Care

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